Rampant tree felling in national park
We are outraged at the news of unbridled tree plundering in the reserved area of Kadirgrah National Park in Mymensingh. And it is happening before the eyes of forest officials! There are over 50 sawmills that have sprouted around the forest area where the illegally collected trees are being processed.
In 2010, the government declared 80.5 acres of land of Kadirgrah and Palgaon areas as a National Park to save gazari trees, wild life and birds from extinction. But a section of local people have been destroying gazari and other valuable trees of the forest with impunity. This unmindful act has also been adversely affecting the wildlife of the Park which has been declining dramatically.
We wonder what the forest officials are doing there. It is alleged that some unscrupulous officials and employees of the forest department are involved in the illegal timber business. According to a local beat official the district administration has also been informed about these illegal sawmills several times but they are yet to take any action against them.
The government should look into the issue seriously and take stern action against the corrupt forest officials. The local administration should immediately conduct an eviction drive and clear the forest area off illegal sawmills and furniture shops. Saying we are committed to protecting the environment rings hollow when we allow our forests to be denuded in this way.
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